Trikke Owner’s Manual 6/5/07
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First time riders have a tendency to muscle the handlebars and throw their weight from side
to side. What propels the Trikke cambering vehicle forward is a combination of turning
and leaning the steering column, not jerking or thrusting the handlebars from side to side.
It is best to think in terms of more rocking and less turning. Long smooth turns are best
for beginners.
Because the handlebars are free to spin 360ْ it is possible for the brake cables to get twisted
around the steering column. If you try to ride with the cables twisted the vehicle will
probably feel sluggish because one of the brakes is probably partially engaged. Before
riding, always check to see that the brake cables are not wrapped around the steering
column.
Safety Issue #4: Riding Downhill
Because the Trikke cambering vehicle is a totally new machine with completely foreign
riding characteristics, we strongly recommend that you take your time when familiarizing
yourself with the vehicle and gradually test the performance boundaries of its riding
characteristics. This is especially important before attempting to ride up or down hills.
Both hill climbing and downhill riding are advanced and require that you become a strong
competent rider before even attempting hills --- up or down. As far as downhill riding is
concerned, we strongly recommend that you only ride down hills in which you can control
your speed with turns as you traverse the hill. Riding hills at speeds that require constant
braking is not recommended for three reasons: you can get up to speeds where your braking
distances are too long to stop you safely, you can fall causing serious injury or death,
and you will quite simply wear down your brake pads and rear wheels long before their
expected functional life expectancy.
The Trikke cambering vehicle will accelerate quickly down even the mildest grades, so
only ride at speeds and in an environment that are suitable for your skill level.
Safety Issue #5: Safety Equipment
Always wear safety equipment, especially a helmet. A helmet is a must when riding a
Trikke cambering vehicle or any wheeled vehicle for that matter. We also recommend that
you wear elbow and knee pads, especially for children and inexperienced riders. As stable
a platform as the vehicle is, there are always environmental conditions that might catch you
by surprise like cracks in the pavement or other vehicles.
